The Dr. Rod Berger Channel - Stories That Meet The Moment

Welcome to another enlightening episode of HeadRoom, where we dive deep into personal growth and authentic success in today's rapidly changing professional landscape. I'm your host, Dr. Rod Berger, and today I'm joined by the insightful Rusty Gunther. Rusty, a passionate advocate for aligning life's work with personal values, shares his unique perspective on entrepreneurship, the significance of personal identity over professional roles, and the power of community support in achieving greatness. 

Together, we'll explore the essential role of mentorship, the transformative power of self-audit, and how understanding our "why" can profoundly impact our paths. Rusty will also reveal his journey through emotional intelligence, counterculture influences, and his hands-on approach to leadership. 

So, tune in as we unpack these themes and offer guidance on navigating the complexities of personal and professional evolution here on HeadRoom, brought to you by Brainlight and Old Soul.

Timestamps

00:00 Interviewing diverse individuals from various fields.

06:15 Appreciation for parenting and evolving voice perceptions.

07:44 Wife is a successful executive coach with a psychology background.

12:57 Pressure to succeed in a branded world.

16:34 Individual ownership versus the need for community.

19:47 Young people are frustrated by naturally successful professionals.

23:52 Get hands-on to lead effectively, and avoid detachment.

26:09 Navigating life's different perspectives and stages.

Connect with Rusty Gunther

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rustygunther/

Website: https://towerinsur.com/

Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1.

Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation.

Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business.

He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming.

Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to another episode of HeadRoom. This is your host, Dr. Rod Berger, and today, we have a truly out-of-this-world guest on the show. Buckle up as we join Astronaut John Shoffner on a voyage that transcends the atmosphere and delves into the emotional odyssey of realizing a lifelong dream.

From the moment of liftoff to the realization that being an astronaut comes with the weighty responsibility of representing humanity, John will share his transformative journey to the International Space Station. A path paved not just for personal fulfillment but to inspire and educate others, especially the younger generation, on the wonders of space.

We'll navigate the shifts in John's perspective that led to the birth of the Perseid Foundation, his poignant reflections on the sense of time and the regret of not absorbing every second in space, and the bittersweet longing to return amidst the exhilaration of new private spaceflight opportunities.

Plus, we'll explore the profound impact that private individuals can have on space research and humanitarian efforts. John's commitment to STEM and the power of art to convey the grandeur of the cosmos is sure to kindle a fire of curiosity and passion in all of us.

Join us as we delve into the heart of a man changed by space, driven by a desire to lift others up to the stars. This is HeadRoom, where the sky is not the limit but just the beginning.

Timestamps

00:00 John Shoffner: astronaut, advocate, and space enthusiast

07:00 20 years together, then a decision for space.

09:23 Rare, privileged experiences provoke existential reflection.

13:20 Utilizing orbit experiences for meaningful and educational interactions.

17:14 Discuss the impact of internal voice in space.

18:48 Cherishing brief moments and experiences in space.

22:53 Private astronaut program adds value through research.

25:19 Children's fascination with space and self-expression.

31:13 Interview with astronaut sparks desire for space.

32:23 Reflection on unity and impact of space travel.

Connect with Astronaut John Shoffner

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpshoffner/

Website: https://www.axiomspace.com/

Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1.

Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation.

Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business.

He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming.

Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to the episode of HeadRoom. Today, we're diving deep into the transformative world of artificial intelligence with a trailblazing guest, Sarah Nagy, Co-Founder and CEO of SEEK AI. With an impressive background in finance and startups, Sarah has consistently stayed ahead of the curve, anticipating the seismic shifts in technology that would reshape our professional and personal landscapes long before generative AI became a buzzword.

In our conversation, Sarah shares her journey to founding SEEK AI, her eye-opening encounter with large language models like GPT-3, and her vision for how generative AI can unlock the potential of structured datasets. We'll challenge the notion that AI is a mere fad and explore its profound and permanent impact on human life and work, digging into the intricate dynamics between AI and the evolution of various industries.

So plug in, as we unravel how generative AI is not just rewriting code but also rewriting career paths, entrepreneurship, and the very fabric of society, right here on HeadRoom, where the future is an open conversation.

Stay tuned, this is a discussion you surely don't want to miss.

Timestamps

00:00 SEEK was founded before ChatGPT focused on AI.

05:41 Disliked writing SQL until I found GPT-3.

10:00 Surprising intellect, courage, and challenges for women.

12:36 Encourage making STEM cool for women, and inclusivity.

15:53 Addressing the impact of AI on professions.

19:41 AI impact on job market and education.

23:27 Learning code is crucial for future communication.

27:54 Tech innovation needs to embrace storytelling narrative.

30:51 Childhood passion for art transformed into ambition.

35:05 Prepare for changing careers due to AI.

Connect with Sarah Nagy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-nagy/

Website: https://www.seek.ai/mission

Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1.

Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation.

Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business.

He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming.

Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jennifer Dulski has a wide range of executive experience, including leadership roles at Facebook, Google, and Yahoo! and founder, CEO, and president roles at early-stage and scaling startups. She is currently CEO and founder of Rising Team, a company that provides tools, data, and community to turn managers into amazing coaches who build happier and more successful teams.

Prior to her current venture, Jennifer Dulski made a significant impact at Facebook. She led Facebook Groups, a platform used by over 1.5 billion people monthly to create and engage in meaningful communities. Her team was instrumental in envisioning, building, and growing the Groups product. She also spearheaded the 2019 redesign of Facebook, “FB5,” which placed communities at the heart of the app.

Before Facebook, Dulski was president and COO of Change.org, a social enterprise company that empowers people to create campaigns for change. Under her leadership, Change.org grew 10x, from 18 million users to 180 million, developed a profitable business model, rebuilt its tech stack, and supported thousands of successful campaigns globally.

Jennifer Dulski's entrepreneurial journey began at Yahoo!, where she held various roles over nine years. Her tenure culminated in her leadership of one of six business units as group vice president and general manager of Local and Marketplaces. She then ventured out to co-found The Dealmap, a location-based deals app that was acquired by Google in 2011, making her the first woman entrepreneur to sell a company to Google. She later served as a product leader at Google before joining Change.org.

She has deep board experience in public and private companies and nonprofit boards and currently serves on the boards of WW, formerly Weight Watchers (NASDAQ: WW), the Change.org Foundation, and the Arctic Ice Project. Her previous board experience includes roles on two other public company boards, Move, Inc. (NASDAQ: MOVE) until its acquisition by NewsCorp and TEGNA (NYSE: TGNA).

Dulski writes about leadership for LinkedIn Influencers, Fortune, Forbes, and Huffington Post. Her first book, Purposeful, about how each of us can be movement starters, was published by Penguin Portfolio in 2018 and is a Wall Street Journal Bestseller.

Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1.

Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation.

Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business.

He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming.

Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome back to HeadRoom, a sanctuary for the curious mind and a canvas for thought-provoking stories, with your host, Dr. Rod Berger. Today's episode bridges the past with the present as we delve into the compelling narrative crafted by Linda Ambrus Broenniman in her book "The Politzer Saga." In this conversation, Linda peels back the layers of a family secret Jewish ancestry hidden by immigrant parents in Buffalo, New York, a secret unveiled by the embers of a house fire. We're set to explore themes of identity, lineage's importance, and history's enduring echoes.

As we piece together the puzzle of Linda's ancestry, we reflect on the transformative power of truth, the role of individual stories within the grand tapestry of history, and the author's deep-rooted sense of responsibility to honor her past. This episode is not just about the Pulitzer family but about the universal quest for self-understanding and the cultivation of empathy towards others in the face of modern-day adversities.

Join us in this intimate discussion, only here on HeadRoom, co-produced by Rainlight and Old Soul, where we transcend the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary tales of human experience.

Timestamps

00:00 Understanding history through powerful, essential stories.

04:26 A Catholic man discovers secret Jewish ancestry in Buffalo.

09:00 Discovering Mother's hidden wartime heroism, a revelation.

11:07 In 2016, I began researching my family.

13:51 Curiosity sparked in 2016 leads to exploration.

16:45 Reflect on personal, family, researcher, and citizen experiences.

19:51 Persistence, risk-taking, and the importance of accepting life's journey.

23:35 Childhood secrets and trauma strain father-daughter relationship.

29:14 Close partner, dedicated to truth, died in 2021.

32:35 Discovering ancestors brought understanding, confidence, and purpose.

34:30 Discussing present-day challenges and family legacies.

37:06 Holocaust stories show immense resilience and impact.

42:44 Questioning the impact of literature on injustice and war.

45:15 Importance of history for understanding oneself.

50:08 Powerful story challenges thinking, highly recommended book.

Connect with Linda Ambrus Broenniman

Website: https://politzersaga.com/

Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1.

Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation.

Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business.

He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming.

Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Berger sits down with Windō co-founder and former Chief Data Officer at J.P. Morgan Ken Janssens. The duo explores the new relationship between data and the talent pipeline across the globe. Janssens discusses efforts to more substantively examine sustainability efforts, lengths to close pay gaps, and diversity inequities expressed throughout global markets and the organizations primed to meet the growing expectations of the generations to come. Professional organizations and iconic companies are aiming to provide an inclusive workplace supporting a healthy talent base and planet to explore - Janssens and Windō are working hard to capture data with purpose, compassion, and precision. Story is our currency, as Berger frequently espouses, and data is a main character in an evolving story. You won't want to miss this personal look at a professional's journey to breathe life into meaningful and needed corporate conversations. 

Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1.

Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation.

Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business.

He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming.

Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the high-stakes world of global retail and brand development, Bruno Schiavi's name is
synonymous with innovation, strategic foresight, and an unerring knack for market disruption.
Schiavi's groundbreaking collaborations with the Kardashian empire and the meteoric rise of Uncle
Bud’s HEMP & CBD paints a picture of a business savant who has redefined the retail
landscape. Berger gets at the heart of this global icon and the people and places that 
have defined an ever-expanding career of influence. 

The genesis of Schiavi's storied career can be traced back to 1996 with the launch of the Pocket
Sock. This product, embodying simplicity and innovation, marked Schiavi's first foray into the
retail world, setting a precedent for his future endeavors. This humble beginning was a prelude to
a career that would amass over $1 billion in global retail sales, a testament to Schiavi's unerring
instinct for market trends and consumer needs.

Over a span of 25 years, Schiavi meticulously built a network that became the backbone of his
success. His ability to forge lasting relationships with some of the world's most formidable
celebrities, Fortune 500 companies, and retail players stands as a cornerstone of his business
strategy. These connections, coupled with his deep understanding of the global market, have
elevated Schiavi to a position of unparalleled influence in the retail sector.

The collaboration between Schiavi and the Kardashians represents a seminal chapter in his
career. The inception of the Kardashian Kollection is a study in strategic brand positioning and
celebrity marketing. Schiavi's acumen in recognizing the potential of merging Kardashian's
widespread appeal with accessible fashion and lifestyle products led to one of the most
successful celebrity-endorsed retail ventures of its time.

Under Schiavi's guidance, the Kardashian Kollection transcended the typical celebrity
endorsement model. He crafted diverse products that resonated with the everyday
consumer, ensuring that each item reflected the Kardashian brand's essence and appeal. The
collection's expansion into over 10,000 stores globally is a testament to Schiavi's adeptness at
scaling a brand, managing supply chains, and navigating the complex web of global retail
distribution.

This venture also showcased Schiavi's ability to effectively harness media and public relations.
Through strategic marketing campaigns, attention-grabbing launches, and savvy use of social
media, the Kardashian Kollection became a household name, further cementing Schiavi's
reputation as a master of celebrity-driven retail success.

Perhaps even more illustrative of Schiavi's business prowess is his revitalization of Uncle Bud’s
HEMP & CBD. In 2019, he took control of a brand that was little more than a nascent online
entity and propelled it to the forefront of the burgeoning CBD market. Schiavi's intervention
transformed Uncle Bud’s from a single-product company to a diverse brand featuring over 72
new items.

The rapid expansion of Uncle Bud’s under Schiavi's leadership is a masterclass in brand scaling.
Within 19 months, the brand's products were available in over 15,000 U.S. stores across the US
and Internationally. This achievement did not just signify growth in numbers but also marked a
strategic diversification of the brand's product line and consumer base.

Uncle Bud’s financial transformation is equally staggering. Under Schiavi's stewardship,
the brand's annual revenue catapulted from a modest $500 when he acquired the brand to an
astounding $40 million in four years. This remarkable growth culminated in a lucrative
acquisition by a Public Company, a move that underscored the brand's market viability and
Schiavi's strategic genius.

Bruno Schiavi's journey is more than a series of successful business ventures; it is a narrative of
visionary leadership, strategic innovation, and an unyielding commitment to brand development.
His work with the Kardashian Kollection and Uncle Bud’s HEMP & CBD are emblematic of his
ability to anticipate market trends and create them. 

Schiavi remains a towering figure in the retail industry, a testament to what can be 
achieved when creativity meets strategic business acumen. His legacy is not just in the brands he has 
built but in the new standards he has set for retail success in the modern era.

Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1.

Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation.

Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business.

He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming.

Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Taking us from Nazi Germany at age two to the boardroom of Gray Advertising (now Grey Global Group), Barbara Feigin's new book My American Dream: A Journey from Fascism to Freedom (Five Star Press, Jan. 2024) is a memoir of resilience, grit and grace. In this powerful episode, Feigin tells of her life as a young German-speaking refugee in a small Washington town yearning to become an “authentic” American. She details how she became a trailblazing executive in the advertising industry's male-dominated 1960s ‘Mad Men’ era–rising through the ranks and ultimately securing a seat in the boardroom. Often, she was the only woman in the room.

My American Dream begins with the entire text of her Jewish father's journal about the terrifying details of the family's escape from Germany, coming to the U.S. by way of Lithuania, Russia, China, Korea, and Japan before crossing the Pacific. Then we learn of her remarkable career, her devotion to her husband, who suffered two strokes, and the happiness of raising three successful sons, one of whom is the president of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Barbara and Peter join Berger in a heartfelt and revealing examination of family, perseverance, and pride. 

Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1.

Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation.

Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business.

He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming.

Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

HeadRoom with the incomparable co-founder and President of First Media, Sharon Rechter. Dr. Rod and Sharon discuss what it's like to build a media company from the ground up in an ever-changing media space, her life and family, and her inspiration to work as tirelessly as she does. Sharon is a powerhouse rooted in family, history, and impact. 

First Media is a leading media publisher with over 250 million followers and reaches 71% of U.S. women every month across its brand portfolio. As President, she has grown the business from a single linear cable channel to a global media business with over 200 employees across three countries.

Within two years of their inception, First Media’s social brands - So Yummy, Blossom, Blusher, and Babyfirst, became #1 in the world with the most viewed and engaged content. In addition, First Media has also partnered with top brands to create the best-performing sponsored video content on Facebook, reaching the top spot 6 years in a row. Brand partners include Walmart, Unilever, Kraft Heinz, Mattel, Sony, and Facebook - just a few of the brands partnering with First Media to build and activate audiences worldwide. 

The company’s first venture, TV,  with the Babyfirst and SoYummy TV networks, currently reaches over 100 million U.S. TV homes combined.
Sharon is a powerhouse entrepreneur who embodies the mission of the business as a do-it-all woman and mother of four. She was named in the top 40 Under 40 Women in Cable, and One of the Most Influential Women in Cable and Broadband in 2020. Sharon also won the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2019 and wrote the best-selling children’s book, “The Girl from There,” at the age of 11. Sharon is a public speaker who is committed to helping women lead inspired lives.

Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1.

Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation.

Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business.

He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming.

Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children.

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Richard Gerver came to prominence when, as a headteacher, he turned around a failing school in the UK in under two years. Winning plaudits globally, Richard was labeled  The Walt Disney of The Classroom by the UK media and went on to win a multitude of international awards, including a UNESCO award for leadership and innovation, Global Gurus Top 30 Thinker, and The National Teaching Awards, Headteacher of the Year.

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Using his unique experience and insight, Richard has become one of the world’s most influential experts on change and human leadership, helping clients worldwide struggling with uncertainty and change caused by rapid and dramatic shifts in technological, economic, political, health, and environmental developments.

His impactful and sustainable leadership philosophies and strategies for change have seen him work with iconic brands, organizations, and individuals, including Google, Microsoft, Deloitte, Visa, and GSK, President Obama, The Dalai Lama, Steve Wozniak, and Eric Schmidt. He has spoken to audiences worldwide, including in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, China, Russia, The UAE, Mexico, Chile, Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil and Spain.

Richard was also described by Sir Ken Robinson as,

"One of the clearest and most passionate voices for radical change both in education and in business... In his compelling presentations and books, he takes his powerful message of hope and possibility to educators, business leaders and policymakers around the world. It's a message that has to be heard."

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The author of four renowned books drawing on Richard’s experience as an educator and consultant to businesses and organizations, he also has two hugely successful courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1.

Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation.

Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business.

He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming.

Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children.

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